How to Install a Microsoft Virtual Machine

Create a Microsoft virtual machine to run up to three additional operating systems using one computer

A Microsoft virtual machine allows you to run more than operating system on the same computer. This can be handy for older programs you still enjoy using, but that are not compatible with a newer operating system. Using a virtual machine also comes in handy for students studying computer technology, saving more than one trip to the computer lab. Microsoft Virtual PC is a free download available from the Microsoft web site and is compatible with Windows Server, XP, and Vista operating systems.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft virtual pc 2007
• Virtual machine operating system installation CD

Instructions

Download and Install Microsoft Virtual PC

1. Ensure your computer meets system requirements for installing and running Virtual PC. System requirements are as follows:
   Processor -- Acceptable processors include AMD Athlon/Duron, Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium II, III, or 4, Intel Core Duo, and Intel Core2 Duo processors.
   CPU Speed -- The computer Central Processing Unit must be 400 Megahertz or faster with an L2 cache memory store.
   RAM -- Random Access memory must equal the total combined RAM for the operating systems you plan to install. For example, If you currently run Windows Vista, which requires 512 megabytes, and want to install Windows 98 as a "guest" operating system, you will need a minimum of 512 megabytes plus 24 additional megabytes (the recommendation for Windows 98)for a total of 536 megabytes of RAM
   Disk Space -- Determining the amount of available disk space you need requires adding individual operating system space requirements. For example, if you currently run Windows XP, which requires 1.5 gigabytes of available disk space and want to install Windows 98, which requires 44 megabytes, in Virtual PC, you need a minimum of 1.89 gigabytes of available disk space.

2. Download and begin installation. Press the "Download "button and then "Run" to download Virtual PC installation files. When the download is complete, select "Run" and "Next" to start the Microsoft Virtual Installation wizard.

3. Accept licensing terms and enter your name in the "User Information" text box. The Microsoft product key for the software appears by default. Select "Next" and then "Install" to begin installation. When installation is complete, click "Finish" to close and exit the Installation wizard.

Configure a New Virtual Machine

1. Open Virtual PC from the "Start" menu. The "New Virtual Machine" appears by default to guide you through configuring a new virtual machine. Click "Next" to begin configuring a new virtual machine.

2. Type in a name for your virtual machine, such as Old Games VM, then select the operating system you want to install. Select an operating system from the list or select "Other" if the operating system you want to install is not included.

3. Decide whether to increase the amount of memory allocated by default for your virtual machine or leave the default setting. Unless you have software that requires large amounts of memory to run, leave the default setting.

4. Select the option to create a new virtual hard disk, type in a name if you do not want to use the default "New Virtual Hard Disk" and click "Finish" to complete virtual disk configuration. Virtual PC places a "Console" icon in the status bar at the bottom of your screen.

5. Double-click the Virtual PC icon to open the Virtual Console window, and then insert the installation CD for the operating system you want to install and follow on-screen installation instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• To switch back and forth from your current operating system to your virtual machine, first select the "Close" button on the virtual machine console and then select "Save State." To turn off the virtual machine, select the "Close" button and then select "Turn off."

• You can create up to three virtual machines using three different operating systems with Microsoft Virtual PC.

• If you run into problems or have questions about using a Microsoft virtual machine, the Help menu in the Virtual PC Console contains information, demonstrations and tutorials to assist you.

References

• Install and Create a Virtual Machine

Resources

• Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 (download)
• Virtual PC 2007 Support